Victoria paced across the marble floor, her expensive heels clicking loudly.
Victoria: You cannot talk to me like that in my own home!
Richard: This is not your home, Victoria.
Richard: This house belongs to Lily through her late mother's trust fund.
Victoria stopped in her tracks and turned pale suddenly.
She had assumed for years that Richard owned the entire estate outright.
Victoria: What are you talking about? Your name is on everything!
Richard: I am only the trustee until Lily turns twenty-one years old.
Richard: My late wife made sure our daughter was protected forever.
Richard pulled his phone from his navy suit pocket with a steady hand.
He called his family estate lawyer without taking his eyes off Victoria.
Richard: Arthur, please prepare the immediate eviction notice and divorce papers.
Victoria: You wouldn't dare throw me out into the street!
Richard: Watch me protect my daughter from your cruelty.
Victoria tried to step forward to grab the phone out of his hand.
Richard shifted his stance instantly, placing his body firm as a wall.
Richard: Do not take another step toward us.
Victoria: I built a life here with you, Richard!
Richard: You built a house of cards on top of my child's pain.
Lily looked up at her father with eyes full of quiet hope.
She had lived in fear of Victoria for many months secretly.
She never told her dad because Victoria threatened to send her away.
Now the entire truth was out in the open daylight.
The bright sun shone through the tall foyer windows clearly.
Victoria realized her position of power was completely gone.
She backed away toward the grand pillars, her chest heaving violently.